Diabetic feet require special attention and care; neglect can have devastating results. Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland serves the Olney, Camp Springs, Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD, areas and is happy to educate on diabetic foot care.
Why Proper Diabetic Foot Care is Important
People who have diabetes suffer from an elevated amount of sugar in the bloodstream. These dangerously high sugar levels can damage nerves in the feet, resulting in peripheral neuropathy. When this nerve damage combines with poor circulation, infection becomes very probable. Infection can lead to slow healing, even more infections, more severe infections, gangrene, amputation, or even death.
Please contact one of our following locations to contact a podiatrist about proper diabetic foot care: Olney, Camp Springs, Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD.
How to Care for Diabetic Feet
Diabetic feet with nerve damage are less likely to have any feeling left in their feet; this results in unintentional neglect. It is vital that people with diabetes wash and check their feet for blisters, cracks, cuts, sores, ulcers, and bumps every day.
After the daily foot inspection and bath, the feet must be thoroughly dried, especially between the toes.
During these inspections, the person with diabetes should also pay attention to:
- Further loss of feeling in feet
- Changes in the shape of toes
- Changes in the form of the foot
- Pain or cramps in the lower legs
Circulation for Good Diabetic Foot Care
Pay attention to the little things, so you can resolve foot issues before they become significant issues. For instance, poor circulation in the feet reduces your body’s ability to heal promptly if you begin to notice cramps or pain in the backs of your legs.
Circulation issues can be caused by arteries that are clogged, hardened, or narrowed. Smoking, high levels of blood fats, and increased glucose levels are all common causes of poor circulation.
Tips to Improve Circulation
Keep your blood fat levels under control. Don’t let your blood glucose levels wander far from what is expected. Avoid or cease smoking. Smoking narrows the blood vessels, which results in poor circulation. Get up and move. Daily exercise, even if for only twenty minutes a day, keeps circulation up and at a healthy level.
Request an Appointment with Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland
Family Foot and Ankle Associates of Maryland is proud to serve the following locations: Olney, Camp Springs, Clinton, Silver Spring, Kensington, Laurel, and Maple Lawn, MD. They are knowledgeable about diabetic foot care. When you’re ready to get in touch with a professional podiatrist, please reach out. You may call the following locations to schedule or request your appointment:
- Olney, MD (301) 924-5044
- Camp Springs, MD (301) 868-7670
- Silver Spring, MD (301) 439-0300
- Kensington, MD (301) 942-8110
- Laurel, MD (301) 317-6800
- Maple Lawn, MD (301) 317-6800